Sharks always a bridesmaid

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 12:16

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the third instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Sharks. It will be followed by the rest of the teams in the South African conference - then the other conferences.

It must the most undesirable moniker: The most successful team never to have won Super Rugby.

There is another sobriquet that fits the bill: 'Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.'

The Sharks has been runners-up five times, losing semifinalists four times and reached the preliminary play-offs (or quarterfinals) on another two occasions.

That is why the big question every year is: 'Will the Sharks get the monkey off their collective backs?'

Like all teams, at the start of the season, the Sharks have ambitions to go all the way.

There was some clear-sighted recruitment in the off-season - most notably in the coaching department.

Robert du Preez (senior) not only lured his son (Robert junior) back 'home' - to shore up the flyhalf stocks - but the arrival of former Springbok centre and Bok assistant coach Dick Muir, as well former Bok flyhalf Braam van Straaten, will give the Sharks some interesting options.

Du Preez, senior, said their success in 2018 will hinge on using the squad "effectively".

Muir, in particular, can improve the Sharks' attack - after defence was the cornerstone of their march to the Super Rugby play-offs and Currie Cup Final last year.

"It's great to have people like that here, with great experience," Du Preez senior said of the additions to his coaching staff.

"Dick's presence here was much-needed, he adds balance."

That balance - between attack and defence - may just be the catalyst that will see the Sharks shed the bridesmaid's tag.

As they showed in both Super Rugby and the Currie Cup in 2017, they have a pack of forwards capable of mixing it with the best.

Their backline skills, decision-making and tactics are what cost them at crucial stages in their campaigns.

Now they may have the X-factor that could turn them into a championship team.